First Light (Forever After Series) by Michele Paige Holmes

Author:Michele Paige Holmes [Holmes, Michele Paige]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: romance, clean romance, sweet romance, quiet romance,
Publisher: Mirror Press
Published: 2016-02-25T05:00:00+00:00

It was well past sunrise when we reached the wealthy shopping district I’d passed on my way to the castle the first time. The morning chill had burned off somewhat in the face of another sunny day, but the chill of Cristian’s tale remained.

Henrie pulled up beside us, complaining he needed something to eat. I pointed out that he had an entire wagon full of apples, but he didn’t find that amusing. So we stopped in front of a bakery, and Henrie went in to inquire about sustenance for us all.

Cristian seemed as enthralled as I’d been on my first visit through this area, and I offered to drive after we ate so he could take it all in.

“No need,” he said, eyes focused on something behind me. “But I think I’ll walk around a bit until Henrie returns. Would you like to come?”

“No, thank you. I’ll stay with the wagons.” I seriously doubted that anyone in these parts would have interest in taking our goods, but I also had no desire to venture into any of the fashionable shops, dressed as simply as I was. True, the dress I wore was at least the proper length now and without holes, but it was obviously the garment of a serving girl. And my cloak, while new as well, was of thick, coarse material, not unlike that of oat sacks for horses. I, too, was like the second kind of poor— proud of what little I had, not wanting charity from anyone higher up on the ladder.

Drawing the cloak closer, as if to protect me from the stares of passersby, I sat stiffly on the wagon seat, awaiting Cristian’s and Henrie’s return. It was not long before Henrie came from the bakery, a bag jostling in his hand. He handed me a pastry from the sack, then took one for himself and bit into it. A second later, his face soured in bitter disappointment.

“These aren’t nearly as tasty as your cinnamon rolls, Adrielle.” He glanced back at the bakery. “You’d do well to open a shop of your own here— put these poor fellas out of business.”

I smiled at his genuine compliment. “I may,” I said. “After…" After Cristian and Cecilia are married and I can no longer bear living at the castle.

“Please don’t make it harder on him,” Henrie said, not unkindly. “I’ve nothing against you, Adrielle, but Cristian has long been my friend, and my concern must be for him and the life he must lead.”

I said nothing but nodded and turned away, stiff on my seat.

Cristian returned a few minutes later, and as the wagons set off again I struggled to get my roiling emotions under control. I felt angry and sad— near despair and completely unable to cope with soon-to-be loss.

“What are you thinking?” Cristian asked, after some time had passed in silence.

“I’m still wondering how you are to do this great feat— aside from loving a princess

you hardly know?” I tried to keep bitterness from my voice but feared I was not entirely

successful.

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